A rebel group has seized a large area of Congo, possibly backed by Rwanda.
Yesterday, the UN Security Council approved the extension of the peacekeeping operation MONUSCO for a year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, the operation is gradually winding down.
MONUSCO is one of the UN’s most expensive operations with a budget of one billion euros.
Clashes between government forces and the M23 rebel group continue fiercely in the eastern part of Congo. The Security Council resolution calls for an end to the violence. However, the statement does not directly blame Rwanda.
Many experts accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 and also of bringing soldiers into Congolese territory.
A week ago, peace talks were held between the Congo and Rwanda, but they failed when the Rwandan president Paul Kagame didn’t show up.
Sources: AFP, AP